Councillors Liam O’Rourke and Phil Burke join new Greater Manchester Transport Committee

Councillors Liam O’Rourke and Phil Burke have been appointed to a newly-formed body responsible for overseeing the shape of transport in Greater Manchester.

The new Greater Manchester Transport Committee (GMTC) brings together the principal transport decision-making bodies – the ten GM Councils, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and the Mayor – for the first time.

Members of the GMTC have been appointed to represent residents and businesses across Greater Manchester.

 

 

Councillor Phil Burke, Rochdale Council's Lead Member for Transport, said: "I’m very pleased to have been given this role and I will do my best to act as a strong voice for the people of our borough.

"We have some fantastic public transport but there are areas that are poorly served and need more. I will continue fighting to ensure their voices are heard and that they are not overlooked.

"There are lots of major developments happening over the next few years and as a region we are taking greater control of things. This work is vital for the future prosperity of Greater Manchester and its residents."

 

 

Councillor Liam O'Rouke said: "I'm delighted to have been appointed by Andy Burnham and the Combined Authority to sit on Transport for Greater Manchester.

"In particular, I look forward to helping Andy achieve his exciting and ambitious transport plans, including the Middleton spur on the tram network, the revolutionary tram/train connection between Rochdale and Bury via Heywood and the franchising of the bus network so we have a system that works for people across Greater Manchester and not large bus companies."

The committee will have a unique oversight across all aspects of Greater Manchester’s transport network. It is perfectly placed to oversee the performance of the transport system and hold rail, tram, and bus operators, TfGM, and highways authorities to account.

This effectively allows the committee to act in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and the GMCA, through the Mayor’s Transport Board.

The committee will also play a vital role in driving the delivery of ‘Our Network’ - the region’s vision for an integrated, efficient and reliable transport system. They will also have a role in the development of transport strategy and policy and have more of a say in how local transport schemes are delivered.